MARTIN DELIVERS MATT FISH UPDATE

During his midweek press conference, Martin Allen was asked on the latest condition of right-back Matt Fish.

The defender was carried off in the opening stages of the Colchester game two weeks ago, and was later told he had suffered an anterior knee cruciate ligament injury.

This is likely to keep him out for at least six months, and Martin updated the supporters on what has happened in the last few days.

He said:

“Matt Fish had his operation at 3.30 on Tuesday afternoon – the consultant said the surgery was straight forward and that there were no other complications which is good news.

“He had another night in hospital because he wasn’t feeling great on Wednesday afternoon. He came out at lunchtime on Thursday and Gary Hemens was with him all day from Tuesday morning.

“He watched the operation and overall he [Matt] is pleased it has been done. He is obviously a bit sore and I don’t think he will be around this weekend, we are all sad for him but there has to be a point when you stop the sadness, get on with it and start the rehab.

“He can now do that after the operation. When I was playing that injury would finish you but nowadays he will be absolutely fine."

Martin was asked if any time frame had been put in place as to when he could return.

He answered: “That will all depend on the rehab and how his body repairs."